Mauricio Pochettino blasts wonderkid after USMNT snub

19 Sept 2026 20:03 BST | 5 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

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United States manager Mauricio Pochettino has hit out at Augsburg defender Noahkai Banks following his decision to represent Germany over the USMNT.

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The 19-year-old has emerged as one of the most promising centre-backs in the Bundesliga over the past year. He enjoyed a real breakout season in 2025/26 and has played every available minute so far this term.

Prior to Saturday's clash with Werder Bremen, Augsburg were flying high in the Bundesliga. They were the league leaders after two matchdays and still unbeaten after three, following a 2-2 draw with Bayer Leverkusen.

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Noahkai Banks

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Noahkai Banks

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Augsburg

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However, things came unstuck in Bremen on matchday four when the Bavarians surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 after a brilliant late strike from full-back Mitchell Weiser, who was making just his second appearance following a 14-month injury layoff.

Banks didn't cut a great figure in Bremen's comeback, but he remains a hugely exciting prospect. In fact, it was a real coup for Augsburg that they managed to keep hold of him in the summer. Already in January, clubs like AS Roma had been sniffing around the youngster.

Banks chooses Germany over the US

Ahead of the Bremen match, Banks' international future dominated the headlines. Eligible for the United States and Germany, it emerged that he had opted to represent the latter.

Although born in Honolulu, Banks has spent most of his life in Bavaria, and he has now chosen to play for his mother's country. He has accepted a call-up for Germany's U21s and filed a one-time switch with FIFA.

Previously, Banks had suited up for the US at U17, U19 and U20 level, and he was even called up to the senior squad last year, but he did not make his debut. Earlier this year, he rejected the chance to play for the country of his birth at the World Cup.

This would have permanently cap-tied him to the USMNT, but he felt that he wasn't ready yet to commit to a country, and he also did not want to make such a career-defining decision because of one tournament.

With a new World Cup cycle now underway, Banks has chosen Germany, which is a huge blow for the US, as centre-back is a position of real need for Mauricio Pochettino and company.

Banks will have to make do with a spot in the U21s for the time being, but if he keeps going on his current career trajectory, first-team opportunities under Jurgen Klopp may not be too far away.

Pochettino on Banks and new USMNT era

Pochettino, his assistant Jesus Perez and US Soccer CEO JT Batson were at the Hudson River derby between New York City FC and Red Bull New York on Friday to watch several players called up to the USMNT for the upcoming international break.

The game ended in a 1-0 victory for the Red Bulls, thanks to a goal from Julian Hall, who is among the players called up for the first time, alongside teammate Adri Mehmeti. The timing of the goal was perfect, as the 18-year-old hadn't scored since May.

When quizzed about Banks, Pochettino was very clear that he only wants players who are "200%" committed to the US. "We want players who show commitment," he insisted.

"Commitment is not 50%, it’s 200%. It’s good, he was honest. We want players who want to commit and are desperate to play for the badge. That’s the most important thing.

"We are a country where that situation will happen often," Pochettino added, referencing the US's perennial battle to convince dual-nationals. "The organization is so strong, US Soccer. The organization is bigger than any player."

Batson echoed this sentiment: "We want players who want to represent US Soccer. Our job is to give them the best platform to do that. We know there are millions of kids waking up in this country who are desperate to play for this national team."

The fact that Pochettino and Batson watched Hall score the winner against NYCFC after making these comments is perhaps somewhat ironic because the teenager admitted earlier this week that he was still "undecided" over his long-term international future.

Although he accepted Pochettino's call-up, he can also represent Poland through his mother. Hall wears his middle name Zakrzewski on the back of his jersey and grew up idolizing Robert Lewandowski.

Poland are working hard to recruit the striker, while Albania are pushing for the aforementioned Mehmeti, as per The Athletic. In fact, many of the young stars called up by Pochettino for the first time can also represent other nations.

Nevertheless, the Argentine is looking forward to welcoming fresh blood to camp. "It’s really exciting," Pochettino said. "I think it’s a great moment for our country.

"When some of the young players received [the call], they cried. It was very emotional. It was their dream. That’s what we want, to feel that passion."